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Sweetheart Hoya

Plant care guide

How to care for Sweetheart Hoya

Hoya kerrii (including variegated forms)

Care level: EasyNon-toxic to cats & dogs

The sweetheart hoya has thick, heart-shaped leaves that make it one of the most loved gift plants around. Rooted plants grow into a slow, trailing vine and, with enough light, can produce clusters of small star-shaped flowers.

Also known as: Sweetheart Plant, Valentine Hoya, Heart Hoya, Lucky Heart, Hoya kerrii, Variegated Sweetheart Hoya, Hoya kerrii Variegata, Wax Heart

Just arrived? Your first week at home

  1. Unbox it promptly and stand it upright in bright, indirect light, like a few feet from an east or west window.
  2. Check the soil; if the top inch or two is dry, water slowly until it drains, otherwise wait a few days.
  3. If you received a rooted vine, leave it in its nursery pot for at least two weeks before repotting.
  4. A slightly soft or yellowed leaf after shipping is common and nothing to worry about.
  5. Keep it away from heating vents and cold, drafty windows.

Every plant is covered by our 30-day plant health guarantee. If your plant arrived damaged or isn't doing well, email a few photos to support@rootandreachbotanicals.com and we'll help you troubleshoot or make it right.

Light

Give it bright, indirect light, such as a spot near an east window or a few feet back from a sunny south or west window. A little gentle morning sun is welcome and helps variegated leaves show their cream and pink edges. In dim corners it will hold on but barely grow.

Water

Let the soil dry most of the way before watering, then soak it and let it drain. That is typically every 2-3 weeks, less in winter. Thin, wrinkled leaves mean it needs water; yellowing leaves and soggy soil mean it is getting too much.

Humidity

Average indoor humidity works well. The thick leaves store water, so it is not fussy about dry air.

Temperature

Keep it between 60 and 85 F and protect it from temperatures below 50 F. Avoid placing it right next to radiators or air conditioners.

Soil & repotting

Use a chunky, well-draining mix, such as cactus or potting soil with added orchid bark and perlite. It grows slowly, so repot only every 2-3 years in spring, going up one pot size. Make sure the pot drains well.

Feeding

Feed once a month in spring and summer with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. Do not feed in fall and winter.

Troubleshooting common problems

  • Single heart leaf not growinga lone leaf cutting without a node will stay green for years but never vine; this is normal for single-leaf plants, so enjoy it as is.
  • Yellow, mushy leavesoverwatering; let the soil dry out fully and check for rotting roots.
  • Wrinkled leavesunderwatering; give it a thorough drink.
  • No flowerstoo little light or a young plant; move it brighter and give it time.
  • Mealybugswhite cottony spots on leaves or stems; wipe off with rubbing alcohol and repeat weekly.

Tips to help it thrive

  • Rooted vines can be trained up a small trellis or allowed to trail from a shelf.
  • Keep old flower spurs on the plant, as new blooms appear from them.
  • Propagate from stem cuttings that include a node, not just a leaf, if you want a new vine.

Pet safety

Sweetheart Hoya is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. As with any houseplant, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing the leaves, which can cause a mild upset stomach.

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